WDW Vacation

We've returned home, after a cruise in the Eastern Caribbean with friends and some time at WDW.  Here are some notes:

WDW

We went to WDW after a cruise with 14 Facebook friends (most of whom we only knew via Facebook), and it's a good thing as I'd have been pooped if we'd done WDW before cruising.   Hot and humid, we'll never do that again!

When we arrived at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, they had a room ready for us - although we had arrived hours before check-in time.  A Plus.  However, it was nearly at the end of the corridor, so a l-o-o-ong walk from the lobby each time we went somewhere or returned to the room. A Minus. Those who whine about the length of corridors at Boardwalk have nothing to complain about.

Seeing the giraffes and antelopes from our room each time we returned to the room or woke up in the morning was an exceptional treat - like having your own private zoo.  Bus service made everywhere else in the World no more than 20 minutes away.  They do keep the buses at meat-locker temps, though.

Visited Hollywood Studios (rain caused us to rethink visiting it after picking up our Tables in Wonderland card and asking Guest Services to set the order in which our multiple admission tickets were used on the new Magic Bands+.  Had dinner at 'Ohana with a cousin of Michael's whom he had not seen in 40 years!  Great time was had by all.  The restaurant was packed as was a large waiting area, too.

Sunday, we went on a Sunrise Safari led by an animal care supervisor.  Interesting to see the animals first thing in the morning when they're awake.  Not as wonderful as the Wild Animal Trek we took last year, but I didn't have to traverse a ramshackle bridge, either.  And breakfast was a treat at Pizzafari!  No, not cold pizza, the chef had outdone himself with African dishes.  We found out that we really like Pap (made of white corn meal and topped with cheese or African-spiced tomatoes). Sounds like the restaurant may go the way of all flesh to make way for the Avatar attraction.  I'll miss that Pecan Bread Pudding with Plantains and a Praline Sauce.

Then it was off to EPCOT for some attractions, both old and new to us, dinner at Biergarten, and a Tequila Tasting with friends at the Mexico pavilion after IllumiNations and the park closed.  Yes, there were still buses available at midnight!

Monday, we took a Lyft taxi to the Mexican consulate in Orlando to jump through the hoops to get a Permanente Visa (more in a separate entry).  Returned for lunch at Animal Kingdom's Yak & Yeti restaurant and then off to Fort Wilderness for the Hoop-Dee-Doo! dinner show.  A bit cheesy but good.  I prefer the BBQ ribs at Disneyland's Big Thunder Restaurant, but they served the biggest strawberry shortcake I've ever seen - or tried to finish off!  No, didn't quite make it....

Tuesday was Magic Kingdom day with dinner at Be Our Guest.  Our pager for dinner didn't work, so they sent a cast member out to find us, walked us to our table, and introduced the dreamy Kurt.  The food was the best meal we've had at WDW!  My Pork Rack Chop was nice and moist and Michael's Strip Steak was super!  I know what I'm ordering the next time....

Watch for the story of our quest for a Permanente Visa which will be written after we finally have the cards in our hands!